For Immediate Release: March 18, 2026
Kaleidoscope Discovery Center Hosts Teen Science Café Featuring
Dr. Alex Douglas on Mining and Mineral Exploration
[Rolla, MO Kaleidoscope Discovery Center] — The Kaleidoscope Discovery Center will host its next Teen Science Café on Tuesday, April 9, 2026, from 4:00-5:30 p.m. Students ages 13–18 are invited to attend this free event to explore the science and engineering behind mining and mineral exploration.
For more information and to register, click here.
The featured speaker will be Dr. Alex Douglas, a researcher and educator at Missouri University of Science and Technology whose work focuses on geology, mineral resources, and mining processes. Dr. Douglas studies how geologists and engineers locate, extract, and responsibly manage the natural resources that support modern society.
During the Teen Science Café, Dr. Douglas will introduce students to the fascinating world of mining and mineral exploration, explaining how engineers and geologists identify valuable mineral deposits and develop technologies to extract them safely and sustainably.
Participants will also have the opportunity to tour the mine and pan for gold, experiencing firsthand one of the classic methods used to separate valuable minerals from sediment. This interactive activity will give students a tangible connection to the science behind mineral discovery and the history of mining.
The Teen Science Café program is part of Kaleidoscope’s mission to provide hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, art, and math that inspires youth to Imagine. Explore. Create. Through informal gatherings with STEM professionals, students gain exposure to exciting career paths while asking questions and engaging in meaningful discussions about science and technology.
Future Teen Science Café sessions will continue throughout 2026, featuring speakers from a variety of scientific and engineering disciplines.
About the Teen Science Café Network
The STEM Next Opportunity Fund Teen Science Café Network empowers teens to explore the frontiers of science and technology in a fun, informal setting. By connecting young people directly with STEM professionals, the program encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and real-world problem solving. Each Café is designed with teen input, ensuring topics are relevant, engaging, and inspiring for today’s youth.
About the Kaleidoscope Discovery Center
The Kaleidoscope Discovery Center in Rolla, Missouri, provides hands-on STEAM education that inspires children and teens across mid-Missouri. Serving more than 2,500 students annually through exhibits, competitions, and community programs, Kaleidoscope fosters curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking while connecting students with real-world STEM opportunities.
Press Contact
Jill Fahreholtz
(573) 212-4535
teensciencecafe@thekaleidoscope.org
www.thekaleidoscope.org/tsc
X: @The_KDC_Rolla
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